A husband and wife have been removed from their roles as councillors after not appearing at any meetings for half a year.

Jules and Bob Rogers both served as Labour representatives for the Abersychan and Cwmavon division on Pontypool Community Council.

The council has had to announce two vacant positions because the pair have not attended any gatherings for a minimum of six months.

Mr Rogers previously contested the 2022 local government elections as a Labour candidate for Torfaen Borough Council in the Abersychan ward but was unsuccessful in securing one of the three available seats. He previously edited the Pontypool Free Press and also worked in the steel industry.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has been unable to reach Mr and Mrs Rogers for comment, while the Torfaen Labour Party has not responded to a request for their input.

Residents of Abersychan and Cwmavon now have the opportunity to demand a by-election to fill the positions left empty after the couple neglected their obligation to participate in council proceedings.

A minimum of 10 voters from the ward must submit a request for a by-election by 5pm on Thursday, August 25. Should this number be achieved, Stephen Vickers, the head of Torfaen Borough Council who also serves as the returning officer for the area, will need to schedule a by-election within 60 days.

Should the necessary 10 requests for a by-election not be received, the community council will fill the position through co-option. This process will occur as soon as reasonably possible following the deadline for requesting an election.

Election requests must be sent in writing to Stephen Vickers, Torfaen County Borough Council, Civic Centre, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 6YB or via email to stephen.vickers@torfaen.gov.uk.